FanPost

Mike Learned a Valuable Lesson from Seifert


On January 6, 1985, Mike Singletary learned a valuable lesson from George Seifert, the 49ers defensive coordinator under Bill Walsh.. The 49ers demolished the Chicago Bears and Walter Payton in the NFC Championship Game 23-0 at Candlestick Park. How did they do it? They limited the Bears passing game to 37 yards and shut them out.

How? George Seifert had what I firmly believe was the greatest defense ever put on a football field. People like to talk about the 1985 Bears, but that team had a lot of hype around the Refrigerator and Payton, etc., but it was the 49ers the year before who put a virtual all-star defense on the field.

Seifert rotated NINE (9) defensive linemen, all stars in their own right with different talents and abilities. With stars like Michael Carter, Fred Dean, Gary "Big Hands" Johnson, Manu Tuiasosopo, Dwaine Board, Jim Stuckey, Jeff Stover, Lawrence Pillers, and Big Louie Kelcher, the Bear offensive line had no chance to stop the onslaught.

When the Bears were able to get off passes, the All-Pro defensive backfield of Eric Wright, Ronnie Lott, Carlton Williamson and Dwight Hicks was there to make sure the receiver was covered like a blanket.

This season is Singletary's first as a head coach and he is, of course, famous for his defensive prowess and focus. After he took over as head coach last season, the Niners quickly blossomed into one of the better defenses in the league. I expect that to continue this season and it will be interesting to see how well Mike learned his "rotate your defensive linemen" lesson from Old Fisherman George, who is probably out on Bodega Bay listening to Billy Idol as we speak.

This season we may see Justin Smith, Isaac Sopoaga, Aubrayo Franklin, Demetrius Evans, Kentwan Balmer, Ricky Jean-Francois (Frenchy), and even Ray McDonald, if he can overcome his injuries. It will be interesting to see how well Mike paid attention on that unforgettable day back in January of 1985. Good luck, Mike.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors.